How to Layer Clothing for Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is a winter sport that occurs in temperatures below freezing. Clothing must be worn properly for safety and comfort. Layer clothing and use water-repellant fabrics to stay dry and insulated. Combine new textile technology with the classic concept of dressing in layers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Long underwear
• Fleece top
• Nylon pants
• Fleece jacket
• Parka
• Zippered snow pants
• Synthetic climbing socks
• Wool socks
• Ice climbing boots
• Gaiters
• Ice climbing gloves
• Hat

1. Start with a pair of long johns to cover the trunk, arms and legs. Select a lightweight variety made of high-tech, moisture-wicking fabric. Stay away from traditional clothing fibers like cotton. They lock in sweat leaving the skin wrapped in cold, wet fabric.
2. Add an insulation layer. Wear a light or medium weight fleece top. High-quality fleece clothing produces air pockets and holds body heat. Dress in close-fitting nylon pants that are water and wind resistant. Substitute fleece pants for nylon if weather conditions are severe when ice climbing.
3. Pull on a jacket made of water-resistant fleece. Consider the weight of the under layer of clothing and the planned over layer to determine which fleece weight to select. As an alternative, wear a lightly padded nylon jacket for added wind protection.
4. Build a snow suit. Look for clothing fabric that is sturdy and water resistant. Begin with a hooded parka. Select a coat length that extends to the mid-hip or upper-thigh to ensure the body remains covered during ice climbing. Dress in pants with side zippers at the ankles and hips. Open the zippers to pull on the pants. Then close the zippers for a snug fit over the under layer.
5. Slip on climbing socks. Dress in a thin, synthetic, water-wicking sock. Make the next layer a wool sock.
6. Put on ice climbing boots and gaiters. Boots come in plastic or leather. Leather is more pliable and provides greater comfort. Plastic is stiffer but provides greater insulation from wet, cold conditions. Gaiters slip over boots and extend upward, almost to the knee. This layer protects against scrapes, tears and water.
7. Protect the hands and head. Gloves typically have a fleece layer covered by nylon. Test before purchasing. Dress in a sock hat made of synthetic material. It is less irritating and more water resistant than wool. Cover with a second hat for an extra layer of warmth.

Tips & Warnings

• Test apparel borrowed from other climbers before investing in ice-climbing clothing.